Holcim orders 1000 battery-electric eActros 600

Holcim, the  Swiss building-materials producer plans to add a total of 1000 Mercedes-Benz eActros trucks to its European fleet. Both companies, as strong partners, have signed a joint letter of intent to secure the deal. This is the largest single order to date for the eActros.

The majority of the electric trucks will be used with silo trailers for the transport of building materials such as cement. The high battery capacity of more than 600 kilowatt hours – hence the model designation 600 – and a new, particularly efficient electric drive axle developed in-house, helps the e-truck to achieve a range of 500 kilometres without intermediate charging.

“Holcim is one of Mercedes-Benz Trucks’ most important customers in the construction industry, said Karin Radstrom, CEO Mercedes-Benz Truck.

“We are very pleased that the company decided on the eActros 600 in its transformation towards alternative drives. Our electric truck with the three-pointed star sets new standards in terms of efficiency,” she added.

Miljan Gutovic, Region Head Europe at Holcim said that his company is advancing the transition to more sustainable and efficient transport by decarbonising the operation’s logistics.

“We are excited to be partnering with Mercedes-Benz Trucks to electrify our fleet, accelerating our goal for 30 per cent of our heavy-duty truck purchases or contracts to be zero-emission by 2030,” he said.

In addition to CCS charging with up to 400kW, the eActros 600 will soon also be able to use megawatt charging (MCS). When MCS technology becomes available and is standardised across manufacturers, it is planned to be retrofittable to the eActros 600. The batteries can then be charged from 20 to 80 per cent in about 30 minutes at a suitable charging station with an output of around one megawatt.

Mercedes-Benz says the core of its concept for battery-electric long-distance transport is to offer customers a holistic solution consisting of vehicle technology, consulting, charging infrastructure and services.

The start of series production is planned for the end of 2024. In addition to the prime mover, Mercedes-Benz Trucks will also produce rigid variants of the eActros 600 right from market launch, offering customers further possible applications. A fleet of around fifty prototype vehicles is currently being built, some of which are also to be put into practical testing with customers.

Back here in Australia, we have recently been driving the eActros 300 which was shown at last year's Brisbane Truck Show, and we’ll bring you a full report in the coming days.

The eActros 300 can be ordered now for delivery later this year.